Ever since 1885, federal holidays have been extended to federal employees across the country. For 2023, Congress has designated 11 federal holidays. Here's a little bit about each of them.
New Year’s Day: Sunday, January 1
Because it falls on a Sunday, this year New Year’s Day will also be observed on Monday, January 2. New Year’s marks the start of 2023 and is a time of reflection and goal setting for Americans.
Martin Luther King Day: Monday, January 16
Observed on the third Monday of January, this holiday celebrates the life and legacy of the late Martin Luther King Jr. A social activist, Dr. King is known for his iconic “I have a dream speech” and his non-violent efforts to bring about change.
President’s Day: Monday, February 20
This holiday celebrates everyone who has served as President of the United States. Because it falls close to the birthday of President George Washington, this holiday is sometimes referred to as “Washington’s Birthday”.
Memorial Day: Monday, May 29
Observed on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day honors all those who have died serving in the United States military. Originally known as Decoration Day, this holiday was created three years after the end of the Civil War and involved the decoration of the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers.
Juneteenth: Monday, June 19
Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans in 1865. Although President Abraham Lincoln signed the emancipation proclamation two years earlier, it was not until Union general Gordon Granger entered Texas that the freedom of the last enslaved people was finally enforced. In June of 2021, Joe Biden signed a law to make Juneteenth a Federal Holiday.
Independence Day: Tuesday, July 4
Independence day (commonly referred to as the Fourth of July) commemorates the founding of the United States of America. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the American colonies became independent of England. Today, many Americans celebrate the nation’s birthday with barbeques and fireworks.
Labor Day: Monday, September 4
Labor Day celebrates the work and contributions of American workers across the country. After the 1894 Pullman railroad strike, when there was a widespread boycott of the railroad, President Grover Cleveland signed a bill to create this federal holiday to commemorate our nation’s laborers.
Columbus Day: Monday, October 9
Known in many states as indigenous people’s day, this holiday marks the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival to America in 1492. Columbus arrived to the New World with three ships: the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria.
Veteran’s Day: Saturday, November 11
Veteran’s Day honors everyone who has served in the United States military. The holiday, originally known as Armistice Day, began as a day to celebrate the end of World War I.
Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 23
Thanksgiving Day is a time to show gratitude, and is celebrated by spending time with family and friends and holding a large feast. Traditionally, foods such as Turkey, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes are served.
Christmas Day: Monday, December 25
Christmas, for Christians, is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. However, many Americans also celebrate the holiday on a non-religious basis.
Happy New Year!
The Civicly Team
